What's happened
Kylian Mbappe has been left out of Real Madrid’s squad for El Clasico at Camp Nou due to a hamstring injury, despite training with teammates beforehand. Vinicius Jr will lead Madrid’s attack, while a training-ground bust-up has left Aurelien Tchouaméni and Federico Valverde facing disciplinary action. Barcelona go into the match aiming to seal the La Liga title with four games to spare.
What's behind the headline?
Live update frame
- Mbappe has been left out as a precaution amid hamstring concerns, with Madrid relying on Vinicius Jr to spearhead the attack.
- The Clasico carries huge implications: a Barca win would seal the title with four games remaining and could set a new points record if they reach 100.
- Tchouameni’s inclusion in midfield is clouded by reports of a recent bust-up with Valverde, who is missing Madrid’s trip due to head injuries.
- The atmosphere is charged, with fans debating Mbappe’s commitment following his Sardinia holiday during recovery.
Forecast
- Barca is likely to extend its lead and clinch the title if Real Madrid fail to overturn Barca’s advantage, given the four-game cushion and Barca’s form.”
How we got here
Real Madrid head to Barcelona in a mood of high tension after a demoralising season and a bid to stop Barca clinching the title. Mbappe’s hamstring injury has sidelined him, though he is expected to be fit for France’s World Cup campaign. Aurelien Tchouami and Federico Valverde have faced internal discipline following a training-ground clash.
Our analysis
Al Jazeera reports Mbappe has been left out of the squad for the El Clasico due to a hamstring injury, with Vinicius Jr. leading Madrid’s attack. The Guardian provides context on the dressing-room bust-up involving Valverde and Tchouaméni. Al Jazeera also notes the longstanding Barca-Madrid rivalry and Mbappe’s ongoing fitness concerns.
Go deeper
- Will Mbappe return for France in time for the World Cup qualifiers?
- Can Madrid mount a late title challenge without Mbappe?
- Which players could step up for Madrid in his absence?
More on these topics
-
Federico Valverde - Uruguayan footballer
Federico Santiago Valverde Dipetta is a Uruguayan professional footballer who plays as a central midfielder for Spanish club Real Madrid and the Uruguay national team.
-
Futbol Club Barcelona - Football club
Futbol Club Barcelona, commonly referred to as Barcelona and colloquially known as Barça, is a Spanish professional football club based in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
-
Real Madrid Club de Fútbol - Football club
Real Madrid Club de Fútbol, commonly referred to as Real Madrid, is a Spanish professional football club based in Madrid. Founded on 6 March 1902 as Madrid Football Club, the club has traditionally worn a white home kit since inception.
-
Kylian Mbappé - French footballer
Kylian Mbappé Lottin is a French professional footballer who plays as a forward for Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain and the France national team.